L.A. To Hold Day Of Action For Wisconsin

LOS ANGELES - Following a historic 20,000 person march in downtown Los Angeles on March 26, L.A. working families, union and community members, students, immigrants, people of faith, and supporters are continuing to stand with Wisconsin workers and the right to collective bargaining on April 4, the National Day of Action.

April 4 was chosen specifically because it is the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in Memphis. Dr. King’s last act was standing with striking public sector sanitation workers who were demanding the right to bargain collectively for a voice at work and a better life.

On April 4 in Los Angeles, two of the civil rights and labor leaders of that strike, Reverend James Lawson and William Lucy from AFSCME will participate in the LA action. First AME Church of Los Angeles has allowed this special event to be held at their historic church. Acclaimed gospel choir, the Brookinaires, will perform. First AME Pastor John Hunter and SEIU-United Long Term Care Workers President Laphonza Butler will also speak.

A Wisconsin bratwurst barbecue will be provided by members of the electricians’ union. The event is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and California Common Cause.

Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the LA County Federation of Labor
William Lucy, retired Secretary-Treasurer, American Federation of State County Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Reverend James Lawson, Civil Rights leader
Pastor John Hunter, Senior Minister, First AME Church of Los Angeles
Laphonza Butler, President, SEIU-United Long Term Care Workers
Brookinairs Gospel Choir
More than 1500 workers, students, community members, church members, faith leaders and supporters of workers’ rights and Wisconsin